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Cupid is King 







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By 



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Farrell Greene yj^\ 






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ERI- 
TATI 



Boston 

Richard G. Badger 

The Gorham Press 

1903 --. ^.:- : 



Copyright 1902^ by iRoy Farrell Greene 



All Rights Reserve J 










THE LIBRARY OP^i 
CONGRESS, 

Two CuPlce RtcsivED 

COPY 3= 



The major portion of the verses contained in this Volume originally 
appeared in Life, Truth, Puck, 'Judge, Smart Set, Munsey'' s^ Brooklyn 
Life, To^vn Topics, Ke'w England Magazine, N. T. Journal, Detroit 
Free Press and Youth' s Companion, and to the Editors and Proprietors 
of these Journals the Author presents his compliments and thanks for 
permission to use the same. 



The Gorham Press^ Boston 



TO MY 



Father Mother and Vf^ife 

WHO HAVE EVER BEEN MY MOST TENDER 

CRITICS, AND WHO HAVE NEVER 

FOUND A PLAUSIBLE REASON WHY MY 

MANUSCRIPTS SHOULD BE 

DECLINED 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED 

September ist, '02. R, F. G. 





The Illustrations are by 
ALBERT r. REID 



csr 



The Decorations by 
WARREN ROCKWELL 



Illustrations 



^^JVhen she puts her arms 

behind her in the haW^ Frontispiece 



An Uld Itme yaientine 


Facing Page 20 


Holding the Skeins 


" 52 '^' 


When Grandma Danced 


« 84 


In the Kitchen 


" 112 




Contents 



Dorothy's Fan - - - 

The Way of a Man and a Maid 
Eavesdropping - - _ 

An Old Time Valentine 
Reminiscences - _ _ 

A Post-Nuptial Reverie 
In the Glow^ of Her Hair 
When Millie Goes Slumming 
Where Three's a Crowd 



17 
18 

19 

20 

22 

23 
24 

26 

27 



The Might of a Maid - - - _ 28 

The Gossiping Tribe - - - - - 29 

A Gown of Old Brocade - - - - ^o 

The Little Things of Love - - - - 32 

The Minuet - - - - -- 33 

In Lent - - - - - - - 35 

At the Court's Mercy _ - - - 36 
Arraigned -------37 

A Post- Graduate Course - - - - 38 

Times Changes - - - - - - 39 

A Wager of Worth ----- 40 

The Protest ------ 41 

Slightly Altered 42 

Exemplifying a Proverb - - - - 43 

The Tables Turned _ - _ 4^ 

An Unconscious Pledge - - - - 45 

A Pleasant Surprise - - , - - 46 

In Church -_.--- 47 

A Cultivated Taste 48 

Love's Laurels ------ 49 

A Common Grievance - - - - 50 

A Specious Plea - - - - - - 51 

Holding the Skem - - - - - 52 

The Brides of June - - - - - 53 

An Old Daguerreotype - - - - 54 

Conspirator — A Cap - - - - - 55 

At the Parsonage ----- 56 

When Dolly Would A-Shopping Go - - 57 

The Lover's Cryptogram - - - - 58 

Her Lenten Gowns - - - - - 59 

In Military Blue ----- 60 

A Flower Garden - - - - - 61 

Betrayed By Shadows _ _ _ _ 62 

A Doubt Dispelled - - - - - 63 

A Welcome Shade ----- 64 



A Plea to Reformers - . - - - 65 

Jack's Second Trial ----- 66 

The Morning Service - - - - - 67 

A Logical Reason ----- 68 

A Plea for a Picture ----- 69 

Promised Immunity ----- 70 

Taken at Her Word 71 

A Maid to Please a Man - - . - 72 

Three Letters - - - - - - 73 

A Holiday Fancy ----- 74 

Jacqueminots - . - - - - 75 

Sacrificed ------ 76 

Still Guessing ------ 77 

Appropriate ------ 78 

An After Thought - - - - - 79 

Too Busy ------ 80 

On Evelyn's Hat 81 

A New Republic ----- 82 

A Winter's Thav^r 83 

When Grandma Danced - - - - 84 

The Limited Language of Love - - - 86 

Temptress and Accuser - - _ - 87 

Where Feathers Flaunt 88 

A String of Olden Pearls - - - - 89 

The Favored Number - - - - - 91 

A Neighboring Garden - - - - 92 

A Coming-Out Party - - - , - - 93 

A Case at Court ----- g^ 

Out of Town ------ 96 

My Lady's Valentine _ _ - - gj 

Under the Mistletoed Chandelier - - - 99 

By Grace of Mabel's Muff - - - 100 

Within My Lady's Purse - - - - 10 1 

Tying Her Shoe - - - - - 102 

The Bows Upon Her Slippers - - - 103 



The Lowly Length of Lent - - - 105 

An Early Spring - - - - - -106 

Priscilla's Garden - - - - - 107 

The Same Old Story - • - - - 108 

In Bankruptcy - - - - - 109 

So Wags the World - - - - -no 

The Proper Test - - - - - in 

In the Kitchen - - - - - -112 

Love's Barometer - - - - - 113 

A Mistake - - - - - - -114 

An Explanation . _ _ _ 1 1 5 

A Marked Discrepancy - - - - 116 

A Literary Critic - - - - - 117 

Her Mirror and Herself - - - - 118 

A Blissfiil Boon - - - - - 119 

A Culprit - - - - - - -120 

Courteous Acknowledgment - - - 121 

Her Subtle Power - . - - - 122 

A Reminder - - - - - - 123 

A Challenge - - - - - -124 

Patriotic Colors - - - - - 125 

When She Tripped the Minuet - - - 126 

A Love Lilt From Bohemia - - - 127 

The Reign of Dolly Madison - - - 128 

A Bachelor's Love ----- 129 

In the Choir - - - - - - 130 

The Wmter Gu-1 131 

When James Monroe Was President - - 132 

The Bachelor Gu-1 - - - . - 134 

Unchanged - - - - - -I35 

When Dolly Plays Croquet - - - 136 

Song of the Skater - - - - -'37 



Cupid is King 



Cupid is King 
Dorothy's Fan 

Dorothy's fan has a ground-work of blue, 

Dorothy's fan is a drama of art; 
Lovers are grouped — and a peacock or two — 
No doubt but that an affair of the heart 
Moved the quaint artist in dreamy Japan 
Thus to make merry on Dorothy's fan. 

Here is a pathway — he's traced that in red — 

Strolhng adown it with parasol set 
Somewhat a-tilt o'er her proud little head — - 
Mark you this Japanese type of coquette; 
Walking beside her's the usual young man, 
Lovesick and smitten — on Dorothy's fan. 

Followeth then a succession of scenes. 
Portraying love as it prospers apace; 
Sweethearts in jackets of yellows and greens. 
Never a change in a figure or face; 
This is a romance of dreamy Japan 
Told by the artist on Dorothy's fan. 

Dorothy's prim as a puritan maid; 

When for her heart and her hand I would pray, 
Down droop her eyes to her fan — she's afraid 
Even a glance might a secret betray — 
Love is a romance and life is its span, 
Rc^d me my answer on Dorothy's fan. 



17 



Cupid is King 
The Way of a Man and a Maid 

A woman may be modest as a daisy in the field, 

Unkissable, staid, sober, prim and all. 
But at parting to temptation any man is apt to yield 

When she puts her arms behind her in the hall. 

When she trips from out the parlor and the lights are burn- 
ing low, 
' And pauses just a last good night to call, 
A man wnll think her ready and believe she willed it so. 
When she puts her arms behind her in the hall. 

It may be but a fancy that she thus assumes a pose 
That's sure to make the noblest man to fall. 

For he 's very apt to make at least a venture ere he goes 
When she puts her arms behind her in the hall. 

Since **lips were made for kisses," as the poet tersely states. 

You couldn't blame the fellow after all. 
For, whether chance or will directs, a maiden tempts the 
fates 

When she puts her arms behind her in the haU. 



i8 



Cupid is King 
Eavesdropping 

I heard her say, **I hate you, hate you, hate — '* 
'Twas in the dusk of twilight, and I had 

But just a glimpse of two forms by a gate. 
Yet by her tone I knew that she was mad. 

And as I wandered farther down the street. 

Those words, **I hate you!" lingered in my mind. 

I wondered were she heartless, scornful, sweet. 
And if the man she hated were unkind. 

I grew distressed that love should come to harm. 
And speedily my wanderings retraced — 

They stood much closer, and what looked an arm 
Was resting, lover-like, around her waist. 



Cupid is King 



An Old Time Valentine 

Though the paper lace is yellowed. 

Mold and mildew seem to cling. 
And the years have rotted, mellowed. 

The beribboned gauzy thing; 
There's a bit of romance hedges 

Round each quaintly written line. 
Deep embossed upon the edges 

Of this old time valentine. 

It has lain within the garret 

For these many years agone. 
And the lightest touch would tear it 

Should your fingers rest upon 
The serrate edges fashioned 

In a delicate design. 
And the verses love impassioned 

Of this old time valentine. 

There are crinkles in the laces. 

All its beauty time has spent; 
There are wrinkles in the faces. 

And, like it, the backs are bent 
Of the ones who sent, received it — 

For it proved love's countersign. 
Though you would have scarce believed it 

Of this old time valentine. 



20 



•-v. 



Cupid is King 



So, like those whose cause it aided — 

Wedded now these many years — 
It is wrinkled, wan and faded. 

Yet such faithfulness endears. 
Servants few such service render. 

And it's proven, master mine. 
Hearts meant well the verses tender 

Of this old time valentine. 



21 



Cupid is King 



Reminiscences 

The Colonel was telling the story 

Of Grant and the Vicksburg campaign. 
The carnage, the grandeur, the glory — 

How bullets flew thicker than rain; 
And Mabel, his daughter, had listened 

To hear of the enemy's flight. 
Till her eyes with an eagerness glistened 

As she questioned: **How long did you fight?" 

"For months, dear, the campaign's assuagement 

Unrealized was, but the haze 
Of war cleared sometimes — no engagement 

With us lasted more than three days!" 
**Oh, pshaw! And you call that a hummer. 

When three-day engagements were fireaks? 
Why, I knew one at Long Branch last summer 

That lasted a month or six weeks!" 



22 



Cupid is King 
A Post-Nuptial Reverie 

The wedding, last night, was a royal affair. 

According to all of the papers. 
The perfume of flowers afloat in the air. 

The mellowing light of the tapers. 
And Nellie leaned proud on the arm, so they say. 

Of papa, clear up to the altar. 
Repeating the vows in a confident way 

With no inclination to falter. 

The bridesmaids arrayed in their virginal white 

Were symphony's sweetest creations. 
The music soared up to the regions of light 

As though it were Heaven's oblations 
To Nellie, and yet a grim sense of unrest 

The whole of the evening enthralled me ; 
My senses went whirling, my heart was distressed. 

The scene at the altar appalled me. 

It seemed that I lived through a troublesome dream. 

E'en Nellie was thrilled with emotion, 
I once caught her eye and its sparkle and gleam 

Seemed soft in its sense of devotion. 
The crowd lingered late, all their homage to pay. 

And yet even longer I tarried. 
I jealously wanted to steal her away. 

Since I was the fellow she married. 



Cupid is King 
In the Glow of Her Hair 

The ripples and waves of her beautiful hair 

Reflect all the glint and the glow of the sun; 
The jewels that gather and fasten it there 

Seem bathed in the gold which a conqueror won. 
The coralline curves of her lips as they part 

In a smile, and the dimple that rests in her cheek. 
Seem to wake from a dreamful repose with a start. 

And all of her graces so ardently speak. 
She' s charming, and yet for my heart there' s a snare 
That rests in the sheen of her beautiful hair. 

Her lashes are wet with the dews of the heart 

That rain through the soul- windows, deepest of blue. 
As she wantonly tears all those petals apart 

And is pricked by the thorn that the Love-roses grew ! 
The mantle of lace thus enshrouding her breast 

But heaves with the pain which each mortal must know j 
And the drapings conceal as they peacefiilly rest 

On two drifted heaps of the downiest snow; 
Yet, of these sweet charms there is naught can compare 
With the glamour and glow oi her beautiful hair. 



24 



Cupid is King 



There's pain in her frown, there is joy in her smile. 

There's balm for the heart in her musical laugh; 
One worships her graces, her every wile, — 

She scatters her favors as though they were chaff. 
Pride walks by her side, and I jealously pout 

That Fortune to me should have been so unkind. 
For she's the queen debutante y just coming out. 

And I'm not a millionaire. — Love may be blind! 
And yet it were well for my heart to beware 
Of the magical glow of her beautiful hair. 



25 



Cupid is King 
When Millie Goes Slumming 

When Millie goes slumming, it seems that all care 

Drifts lightly away on a breath of fresh air. 

The dark, squalid streets are as meadowlands fair. 

Where wild bees are humming; 
Of darkening shadow there's never a trace. 
Each corner that leers as a grewsome old place 
Is lighted and cheered by her sunshiny face. 

When Millie goes slumming. 

The little street Arabs they steal up the stairs 
That lead to the portals of poverty's lairs 
And cry out, as though taken quite unawares: 

**An angel is coming!" 
Their hasty conclusions I take to be true. 
Admitting she's human, between me and you 
She's doing just that which real angels would do — 

When Millie goes slumming. 



?^ 



Cupid is King 



Where Three' s a Crowd 

To parks and plays she's gone with me 

For eighteen months or more, 
I*ve found her best of company 

In trips a-sea, ashore; 
And yet of love she's never framed 

A v^ord for me, I'll own. 
Yet for this lack she can't be blamed, — 

She's Dolly's chaperon. 

She never views in listless way 

At flower-shows the prize. 
She quite appreciates a play — 

You see that in her eyes; 
Her sphere of action's limited. 

The escort's not her own. 
But unobtrusive, be it said. 

Is Dolly's chaperon. 

She's twenty-five if she's a day. 

And Dolly's but nineteen. 
Her eyes are blue and Dolly's gray — 

Blue eyes are true, I ween; 
Since **three's a crowd," I think, mayhap, 

I'U woo a maid alone, — 
I've half-a-mind to set my cap 

For Dolly's chaperon. 



27 



Cupid is King 
The Might of a Maid 

Had I been jester to the king 

At some forgotten court. 
The mark of every quip and fling. 

The butt of jest and sport, 
I think such life I'd grown to hate, 

A simple clown to be. 
And would have roundly cursed the fate 

That made a fool of me. 

But kings and courts have passed away. 

The jester's tribe has flown, 
I could not if I w^ould to-day 

Take his lot for my own. 
Yet, I am, though with kings we're done. 

In danger still, you see 
We're ruled by Woman, now, and one 

Has made a fool of me! 



28 



Cupid is King 
The Gossiping Tribe 

Curse the little things unspoken 

That one quite unwilling hears 
Whispered loud, and by that token 

Knows intended for his ears. 
Mrs. Grundy s, matrons haughty. 

Long beneath their tongues have rolled 
Dainty morsels — something naughty — 

Hinted at, but never told. 

How discreet they seem in giving 

Out the secrets known to them! 
Someone's home life's not worth living. 

Someone saw — ahem! ahem! 
Well it would not be surprising 

\£ he^ d find out she^ s so bold! 
Always something compromising 

Hinted at, but never told. 

Curse the little things malicious. 

Things they hint but ne'er describe ! 
Reputation's vultures vicious 

Are the Mrs. Grundy tribe. 
Peace destroyers, common vandals. 

Wolves within the social fold. 
With their lengthy list of scandals 

Hinted at, but never told. 



29 



Cupid is King 
A Gown of Old Brocade 

She wore her grandma's old brocade 

All trimmed wnth olden lace. 
The same old gown, the same old braid, 

A new and sweeter face; 
The while we whirled in dreamy waltz 

My thoughts in fancy flew, 
I wondered was the world so false 

When that old lace was new. 

Did hearts as often sigh and break? 

Did sorrow walk the land? 
Did circumstance make men forsake 

The fiiture they had planned? 
Were ears by subtle flattery fed? 

Were friends, as now, untrue? 
Did maids for love, not wealth, then wed. 

When that old lace was new? 

Or did an honest heart and hand 

Above all else suffice 
To merit praise, and \drtue stand 

Pre-eminent o'er vice? 
Was fashion's whirl as giddy then? 

Did hopes of fame imbue 
The hearts and brains of worldly men. 

When that old lace was new? 



30 



Cupid is King 



The music ebbs and dies away. 

Reflections lose their charm, 
A face looks up in winning way, 

A hand is on my arm. 
Love reigns supreme to-day as then. 

We learn by rote to woo. 
The same old passion lives in men 

As when that lace was new. 



31 



Cupid is King 
The Little Things of Love 

The little things of love we prize 

Through all the after years. 
And, resurrecting them, our eyes 

Beam through a mist of tears, 
A fragile flower careful pressed, 

A worn and crumpled glove, — 
We somehow always deem the best 

The little things of love. 

The richer gifts are thrown aside. 

Like shuttle-cocks they're tossed 
Within the court of years, so wide. 

Until perchance they're lost. 
Fate's battle-dore that wanton drives 

Rare gifts our reach above 
We'll not lament, while still survives 

The little things of love. 

Spare us but these, we'll ask no more. 

For time's relentless mold 
May rust, corrode, and tarnish o'er 

The filigrees of gold. 
The trifles all devoid of art, 

A ribbon, note, or glove. 
We'll cloister these within our heart — 

The little things of love. 



32 



Cupid is King 



The Minuet 
1780 

Tripped they light the minuet. 
Hearts enmeshed in Cupid's net. 
Maiden fair and gallant beau. 
On the New Year long ago. 
Rich brocade and rarest lace 

Grandma wore when Lafayette 
Danced with her in courtly grace 

Long ago the minuet. 

1850 

Grandma's gone, but Juliette 
Joins me in the minuet. 
Same old laces, same old gown. 
Through the years are handed down. 
And to-night my sweetheart wears 

E'en the glance my heart to fret. 
As did Grandma on New Year's 

When she danced with Lafayette. 



33 



Cupid is King 

Gleam and glamour, jewels, gems. 
Fit for queenly diadems. 
Shine and shimmer, glint and glow, 
Fields without are white with snow; 
All within with love is bright. 

Tossing curls that mock the jet. 
Pleasure sways our hearts to-night. 

Tripping light the minuet. 

1902 

Gone the glory and the glare. 
Shattered all the castles fair 
That we builded, hope so high. 
Music ebbing, slow to die. 
Careless dancers, tripping fast, 

Bess and Rose and Juliette, 
Dreamings were too sweet to last — 

While we danced the minuet. 



34 



Cupid is King 



In Lent 

In Lenten season Mabel wears 

A sombre gown of gray, 
I wonder how such beauty dares 

To hide itself away 
From all the world's frivolity 

And seem to feel content; 
But here's an end to jollity 

While Mabel's keeping Lent. 

If Mabel knew when Lent begins 

Comes Cupid with his dart. 
That penance seeking for my sins 

I'd cloister in her heart. 
Perhaps beneath her sober mien. 

Her look of meek content. 
There might the light of love be seen. 

While Mabel's keeping Lent. 



35 



Cupid is King 
At the Court's Mercy 

This being in love is a troublesome thing. 

Quite so when the young lady's father's averse; 
Opposing his wishes brings Conscience's sting 

And manifold woes that I need not rehearse. 
Now Madeline's father is set against me. 

But law will sustain me in holding the fort; 
Denying my plea for to woo her, you see. 

Is clearly a case of contempt for the court. 



36 



Cupid is King 
Arraigned 

He plead his case with a lawyer's art. 
He chokingly vowed repentance. 

Then rested his cause with a loving heart. 
And gravely awaited sentence. 

She pardoned the culprit, a woman's way. 

Nor thought of the sinful lies 
That men speak ever so light, each day. 

At the bar of a woman's eyes. 



37 



Cupid is King 



A Post-Graduate Course 

When we attended Friendship's school. 
And took the grades in turn. 

It seemed each lesson, task, and rule 
Was quite too hard to learn. 

But now one answer: — bliss, we get 

For every sum we try. 
And Love has pruned the alphabet 

To only U and I. 



38 



Cupid is King 
Time's Changes 



AT 20 



She's a gay debutante with her suitors a score. 
They go at a frown and they come at a glance. 

And this is the problem she's worrying o'er: 

* 'Of all that have asked me with whom shall I dance?' 

AT 30 

The suitors perplexing have vanished and flown, 
A lapse often years makes a change, as you see. 

She's wondering now as she sits there alone: 

**A schottische, I wonder who'll dance it with me?" 



39 



Cupid is King 
A Wager of Worth 

We had a dispute o'er a trifling affair, 

Priscilla and I, and I would not concede 
That she might be right, and she gave me the dare 

To back up my views with a bet, 'Twas agreed! 
**Shall we wager bon-bons, lovers usually do?" 

''Too common," she answered, her cheeks red as wine. 
So, studying something in stakes that was new, 

'Twas agreed she should put up her lips against mine. 



40 



Cupid is King 



The Protest 

With Estella I stood in the hall where the light 

Fortunately was dim, as I noted with bliss. 
And I made up my mind when I bade her good night 

To steal I would dare from her lips a sweet kiss. 
**Oh, what would my dear girl's mamma think," I said, 

* 'If she knew a bold man was caressing you here?" 
"No, no!" she replied, with a droop of her head, 

**She never would hear of your kissing me, dear!" 



41 



Cupid is King 
Slightly Altered 

When Mrs. Parvenu entertained 
The social-culture club at tea 

A constant laugh of mirth unfeigned 
Ran round the circled company. 

The richest treat of all, they say. 

Was when, before her guests had gone. 

She bade the orchestra to play 

*'That sympathy from Meddlejohn. " 



42 



Cupid is King 
Exemplifying a Proverb 

The young man who suddenly turns against wine. 

And though at the club he is urged **Just a sip,'' 
Steadfastly refuses, will think of this line, 

* 'There's many a sHp 'twixt the cup and the lip. " 
The boys at the club wonder what's taken place 

That such a good fellow should now be a churl — 
The **slip 'twixt the cup and the lip" in this case 

Is a near httle, dear little, slip of a girl. 



43 



Cupid is King 



The Tables Turned 

When Polly laughs it seems the world 
Takes on a rare and richer hue; 

The ship of care with sails unfiirled. 
Clears sullen ports for ocean's blue. 

Yet when I mention love to her 

It quite destroys the simile; 
For — ^well, you see its different, sir. 

When — well, when Polly laughs at me. 



44 



Cupid is King 
An Unconscious Pledge 

She was wilful, and very much set in her ways. 

When once a resolve she got into her head. 
To each suitor planned for her objection she'd raise, 

**I'll marry the man whom I please!" so she said. 
And, hearing of this declaration, with main 

And might I went wooing, and won her, you see. 
Because I assured her, and made it quite plain 

That 'twas I held her pledge, since she'd clearly pleased 
me. 



45 



Cupid is King 
A Pleasant Surprise 

I never thought Nellie was timid, afraid. 

Or prudish, so narrow with puritan pride, 
I deemed her a twentieth-century maid. 

Yet when I attempted to kiss her she cried. 
As I passed 'neath the gas-jet I turned it ofF, so 

'Twas dark in the hall when we parted last nighty, 
That accounts for the kiss, and ecstatic if low 

She cried out an "oh!" in delicious delight! 



46 



Cupid is King 
In Church 

I never mark the pastor's pose. 

His ministerial air; 
I never even note the clothes 

The congregation wear; 
Repeat the text I could not do, 

I'm deaf to every plea 
When Prudence occupies the pew 

Across the aisle from me. 

She sits a sweet divinity 

Of goodness and of grace; 
Then, is it strange naught else I see 

Of hope save in her face? 
A hope earth earthy 'tis, 'tis true. 

Yet saving grace I see. 
When Prudence occupies the pew 

Across the aisle from me. 

Perhaps the pastor's fervent speech 

To his flock giveth food. 
The theme seems quite beyond my reach. 

Though well with love imbued. 
That part I grasp, and take as true. 

For mine's the mood, you see. 
When Prudence occupies the pew 

Across the aisle from me. 



47 



Cupid is King 
A Cultivated Taste 

The books that Laura reads are such 

As breathe of grass grown lea and dell. 
Of violets and just a touch 

Of honest love that prospers well; 
A pasture field, a lowing herd. 

Trysts, well to suit romance's needs. 
The twilight dusk, the homing bird. 

In every book that Laura reads. 

Such things were never to my taste; 

A book of travel suits me well. 
Or history; it seemed a waste 

Of time to sit 'neath fiction's spell; 
But late Macaulay dull has grown. 

From Gibbon all my love secedes; 
I've come somehow to like the tone 

Of every book that Laura reads. 

She reads them first and underscores 

A loving passage here and there; 
They seem to echo love in stores — 

To dream it mine I sometimes dare! 
And though each chapter of the tale 

Opes with an amorous poet's screeds. 
There's something to my heart regale 

In every book that Laura reads. 



4& 



Cupid is King 



Loves Laurels 

The king may sing of his signet ring. 

The prince of his trusty blade. 
But Colin' s song hath a sweeter swing. 

To the heart of the peasant maid. 
And so I chorus the loving lay 

That never of knighthood knew. 
Let those who may wear the wreaths of bay — 

I'd rather be poor with you. 

I'm blest, at best, with no wild unrest, 

I envy no man's estate, 
I'd rather be once by your lips caressed 

Than to linger long and late 
With luring, languorous lips that learn 

No lesson of love that's true; 
Their touch I'd spurn with an unconcern — 

I'd rather be kissed by you. 

A crown, renown, and the softest down 

Of couch for a bed of ease. 
Why, I'd never give hem of your gingham gown 

For glory and glow of these. 
Limoges, and Dresden, and rarest Delf 

Shall never my hopes imbue. 
Nor princely pelf, nor the crown itself — 

I'd rather be poor with you. 



49 



Cupid is King 



A Common Grievance 

Ah, little glove, you* re worn upon the fingers, 

A button's missing too, but I confess 
A pleasant memory about you lingers. 

Like sweetness of some yester-year caress. 
She cast you off with petulant emotion. 

Forsooth, because your usefulness was o'er. 
And, somehow, I have formed the silly notion 

That, little glove, we ought expect no more! 

Companions deep in misery, let's sorrow, 

I too by newer rival cast aside; 
Her mood may change with coming of the morrow. 

Perhaps she' 11 freely sacrifice her pride 
And learn, dear little glove, that lesson olden. 

How novelty is foe to sweetest rest. 
That sentiments of faithfiilness are golden, — 

Old times, old gloves, old lovers are the best! 



5° 



Cupid is King 
A Specious Plea 

In Cupid's court the judges sit 

And wrestle o'er contentions bony. 

They nearly always find, to-wit: 
There's most conflicting testimony. 

They sat in judgment yester-eve, — 

Young Love was prisoner, cheeks aglow,- 

The charge was: effort to deceive 
By turning parlor lights down low. 

He plead annoyance at the glare 
Of twinkling, spangled chandelier. 

And with the most defiant air 

He faced the court, as though a peer. 

The grave old judges did not find! 

The case was nolled, but still the wise 
Are wondering: ** If Love is blind 

How can the light affect his eyes?'* 



51 



Cupid is King 
Holding the Skein 

When Madge and I were sweethearts, in the winters long 

ago. 
We used to trace the future in the fire's ruddy glow. 
The pictures are forgotten, but the memories remain 
Of Madge the yarn a-winding, and I — I held the skein. 

I watched her nimble fingers with their tips as red as 

wine. 
And if the yarn grew tangled — why, it wasn't fault of 

mine. 
For I was building castles where my little queen should 

reign. 
While Madge the yarn was winding, and I — I held the 

skein. 

Demure as any nun was she, this little queen of mine, 

'Twas plain that I should be the oak, and she the clinging 
vine; 

She bent to every whim of mine, and ne'er did she com- 
plain 

In those days when she wound the yarn, and I — I held 
the skein. 

But since we now are married, and our children clamber 

round. 
And find the fire pictures that so long ago we found. 
And now that there's a frock to mend and little socks to 

darn. 
She vdnds me round her finger as she used to do the yarn. 



52 



Cupid is King 
The Brides of fune 

The purple pansies nod their heads 

In rapture uncontrolled. 
There gleams from out a hundred beds 

The daisy's heart of gold; 
Sweet William, pinks, and mignonette 

Yield fragrance night and noon. 
Tiptoeing lilies anxious fret 

To glimpse the brides of June. 

Then on the bush beside the gate 

A bud from sleep awakes. 
With feverish haste that scarce can wait 

The bloom from bondage breaks; 
The royal rose, heraldic of 

True hearts that beat in tune. 
Outstretches petal arms of love 

To greet the brides of June. 



53 



Cupid is King 



An Old Daguerreotype 

The rounded case shows age's tinge 

And just a trace of mold; 
The back displays a broken hinge 

That still contrives to hold; 
The pictured face within is faint. 

The dust away you wipe 
And see the limning of a saint — 

An old daguerreotype. 

The while she posed, a winsome lass. 

The soul of girlish grace. 
An artist prisoned 'neath this glass 

The beauty of her face; 
The curls that crowned her maiden brow. 

The cheeks as cherries ripe — 
A legacy from Then to Now, 

An old daguerreotype. 

'Tis meet that such a face, so pure. 

Should with its smiles live on. 
In hearts of later growth endure. 

Though she herself be gone. 
Her grave with grass is grown about. 

Around it plovers pipe. 
But she still lives and smiles from out 

An old daguerreotype. 



54 



Cupid is King 



Conspirator — A Cap 

The golfing cap that Dolly wears 

Hath not a trace of trimmings fancy. 
But brave indeed is he who dares 

Investigate its necromancy; 
For all-mysterious charms allure 

And take you captive unawares; 
There* s sorcery about, I'm sure. 

The golfing cap that Dolly wears. 

There's not a flower, ribbon, plume. 

Or aught of milliner's creation; 
No bird to deck it met its doom. 

And stuffed upon it takes its station; 
It's plain as plain can be, and yet 

There hidden lie most subtle snares 
When on a mass of curls is set 

The golfing cap that Dolly wears. 

Long had I laughed at Cupid's sport. 

And dodged his skilfiil archery. 
But straightway I was brought to court 

When Dolly set her cap for me; 
And Cupe, the rascal, danced for joy 

To see he'd trapped me unawares. 
Abetted by — pray, bless the boy — 

The golfing cap that Dolly wears. 



55 



Cupid is King 



At the Parsonage 

Though I've heard people say that the Parson's passe, 

A fogy without any doubt. 
And so much out of touch with the world of to-day 

He has quite lived his usefulness out. 
Just why that should be my concern I can't see. 

His flock's criticisms, forsooth. 
And, frankly, he' s persona grata to me 

When I wait in the parlor for Ruth. 

Ere she trips down the stairs, upon churchly affairs 

Quite frequent the Parson dilates. 
And I always agree with the view that he airs. 

Or the temporal truth that he states; 
Though it may not be plain, yet I always refrain 

From querying after that truth. 
Though I fear by my silence he guesses I'd fain 

Be changing the subject to Ruth. 

Though he discourses on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

And points out their beauties to me. 
More anxious am I an awakening dawn 

Of love-light in two eyes to see; 
With wings of a dove far beyond and above 

Earth's earthy his heart soars, forsooth. 
While I am content with the gospel of love — 

The gospel according to Ruth. 



56 



Cupid is King 



When Dolly Would A-Shopping Go 

No stretch of canvas-sign I need. 

No hand-bill pressed into my hand. 
Nor page advertisement to read. 

That I the all may understand; 
By just the clinging, loving way 

She welcomes me I've come to know 
Tomorrow must be bargain-day. 

And Dolly would a-shopping go. 

My quite suspicious nature scents 

By just her coddling mood a sign 
That something sold at iifty cents 

Has been marked down to forty-nine; 
The pats, to soften me devised. 

And loving hugs, by these I know 
A bargain-sale's been advertised. 

And Dolly would a-shopping go. 

An easy-chair she'll place for me, 

The evening paper bring, and then 
I wonder if this sorcery 

To me will mean a **five" or **ten"; 
**You'll let me off with *five' you say. 

Dear wife?" (accent on dear you know). 
That's luck, when comes a bargain-day. 

And Dolly would a-shopping go. 



57 



Cupid is King 
The Lover s Cryptogram 

In every note that Nora writes — 

Those little notes, not one efRisive, — 
Some sentence stands, and thought invites. 

And yet the vv^hat I seek's elusive. 
For, be it thanks for flowers sent. 

Or slight request that she indites, 
I try to fathom love's intent 

Within each note that Nora writes. 

A cryptogram of each I make. 

And try to reason out the signs, 
A blot, a word crossed out, a break 

In sentences, between the lines; 
The answered question, yet unasked, 

I seek to find; the troths, the pHghts, 
And hope to catch her heart unmasked 

In every note that Nora writes. 



58 



Cupid is King 



Her Lenten Gowns 

How great the sacrifice to place 

Each lovely gown for weeks away. 
The folds on folds of dainty lace. 

And clothe herself in sombre gray. 
Yet, note the charming toned effect 

When garb of gray, red cheeks, are blent. 
No Worth would ever dare dissect 

The gowns that Mabel wears in Lent. 

One touch of nature makes us kin. 

And when she tripping goes to pra}'er 
Men pause in marts of greed and sin. 

Of innocence and beauty dare 
To steal a surreptitious glance. 

Mute blessings 'long her way are sent. 
In reverence fingers touch, perchance. 

The gowns that Mabel wears in Lent. 

By sinners all, the gowns are blessed 

As garb that clothes sweet purity; 
I bless them when my arms find rest 

About her waist, for I, you see. 
Am her affianced! No chiffon 

In loving tete-a-tete is rent, 
I muss no filmy lace upon 

The gowns that Mabel wears in Lent. 



59 



Cupid is King 



In Military Biue 

Since winning hearts has grown an art 

In which all maidens vie. 
And nothing's proof against the dart 

The archer Cupe lets fly; 
Men dodge as best they can, nor dare 

To raise a cry or hue. 
When Dolly's gowned, to take the air. 

In military blue. 

Now, if the gown were black or brown 

Brave men might dare their fate. 
Behind some shield to kneel them down. 

Or dart-proof armor-plate; 
But sortie, skirmish as you may 

The chances are but few. 
When Dolly's gowned, and trips your way. 

In military blue. 

No **Halt!" you hear, and yet a fear 

Of being challenged comes. 
Your beating heart seems to your ear 

The rat-tat-tat of drums; 
Then you surrender, since, you see 

There's nothing else to do. 
When Dolly's gowned, — Cupe's aide is she- 

In military blue. 



60 



Cupid is King 



A Flower Garden 

Myrtilla's flower garden's quite 

A heart-enchanting plot, 
A bended knee it claims by right 

Of worship on the spot; 
Since roses nod at every breeze. 

And blue-bells lift their head 
Along with daisies, pinks, heart's ease. 

And sweet-peas, white and red. 

It needs no floriculturists' care. 

It hath no need of rake 
Or spade or hoe, there is, I swear. 

No earthy clods to break; 
The garden's fenced with white chiffon. 

You marvel much thereat? — 
Why, all these blossoms bloom upon 

Myrtilla's summer hat. 



Cupid is King 
Betrayed By Shadows 

The rippling mandolins have ceased their throbbing. 

The waltz has ebbed its soul away, and died. 
The soft guitars have stilled their notes in sobbing. 

The music's ceased, like slow retreating tide. 
Behind a screen in yonder farthest corner 

Two dancers stand apart, the place forget. 
There's danger! Oh, that I might warn her 

That screens sometimes reflect a silhouette. 

It seems a shame to watch them, e'er so slyly, — 

Of course one cannot hear a word that's said, — 
In pantomime one sees her shrinking shyly. 

Then on his shadow-shoulder rests a head. 
There's others looking now! It's simply horrid! 

The watchers mark the moment of eclipse, — 
The profile of a moustache near her forehead. 

Then lower, — lower , — ah, he's dared her lips! 



62 



Cupid is King 
A Doubt Dispelled 

She was a woman! 

And yet he wondered if her haughty pride 

Would vanish should he steal unto her side 

And, shunning all disguise, should grow so bold 

As to repeat a story eons old; 

If he should dare her ruby lips to press 

Would they rebuke him with their frigidness? 

So different she from others he had met. 

And so he hesitated, doubt beset. 

Tiptoeing to her side he plead his case. 
But feared to raise his eyes unto her face 
To read the answer, which the sages say 
Shines forth in woman's eyes, of blue or gray. 
He meekly bowed his head in suppliant mien. 
As though he were a page, and she his queen. 
Then, oh, what joy, what wild transport of bliss. 
He raised his head, two lips were pursed to kiss!- 
She was a woman! 



63 



Cupid is Ki7jg 



A Welcome Shade 

In August days I rarely roam 

By inland lake or ocean bay, 
A not unwilling stay-at-home 

I labor at my desk each day; 
And though I seek no sylvan glade, 
- A sweeter boon is mine than all. 
For, ah, I find a welcome shade 

'Neath Dolly's silken parasol. 

When Dolly deigns to take a walk 

I'm near to join her, so, you see. 
We oft enjoy a pleasant talk 

Beneath the lace-fringed canopy; 
And though the sun with torrid spite 

Beams down on this terrestial ball. 
We're screened against his vengeance quite 

'Neath Dolly's silken parasol. 

The out-of-towners and their ilk 

We envy not, 'tis pleasant here 
When just a circling span of silk 

Doth bring two heads so very near; 
And when love's vows we whisper low. 

We're interrupted not at all, 
A fact we found out long ago 

'Neath Dolly's silken parasol. 



64 



Cupid is King 



A Plea to Reformers 

That wine is a mocker full oft I've been told. 

And warned 'gainst the glint, like a sorcerer's glance. 
The sparkle and glow of the chrome and the gold 

The sunshine bestowed on the, vineyards of France, 
But tempted I'm not by a blue-ribbon brand 

With which Bacchus sways and dull care from us woos. 
There's but one temptation I cannot withstand, — 

The nectared potation that Dorothy brews. 

When I see her the chafing-dish set to one side. 

The rare-bit quite *'done to a turn," as they say. 
And bring forth the tea-pot, 'tis then I decide 

'Twill simply be useless for me to say nay; 
For something like magic that works upon me 

She'll out of that Hyson or Oclong infuse. 
And it's safe to assert soon a-sipping I'll be 

The nectared potation that Dorothy brews. 

Oh, why should they warn us ' gainst vintage that comes 

From the Mediterranean's grape-growing shores? 
We fear more that draught that our speech quite benumbs. 

And quickens our hearts, from the China tea stores. 
Then hearken reformers, give ear to my plea. 

Make war 'gainst the cup that I cannot refuse. 
Champagne's wholly safe, but I pray you save me 

From the nectared potation that Dorothy brews. 



65 



Cupid is King 
yack's Second Trial 

The second time that Jack proposed, 

'Twas really a surprise. 
Though 1 still — gossips so supposed — 

Found favor in his eyes. 
His first avowal, months before, 

I'd treated with disdain. 
And laughed at him the while he swore 

He'd try again, again! 

The second time that Jack proposed 

I never said a word. 
Though to assent I'd grown disposed — 

I simply overheard 
By accident his earnest plea 

While in the waltz' whirl — 
The second time 'twas not to me. 

But to another girl! 



66 



Cupid is King 
The Morning Service 

Her fingers touch the organ keys. 

Awakening sweet harmonies 

That, borne upon the summer breeze. 

Float out so airy 
Through chancel-window, down the aisle^ 
Their pleading notes dull cares beguile. 
For Mabel's touch hath much of wile 

In Voluntary. 

To those by worldly problems vexed. 
By doubts and troubles sore perplexed. 
She seems the sermon, creed, and text 

Of all that's merry, 
A something from the world apart. 
That drowns the dreams of busy mart. 
That speaks a peace to every heart 

Involuntary. 



67 



Cupid is King 
A Logical Reason 

Ten years ago sweet Kate and I 

Were wont to walk, neath skies of blue. 
She'd counted sixteen years slip by 
While I had counted twenty-two. 

To-day we met, and half in jest 
I asked her age, she smiled serene. 

And with the sweetest blush confessed 
Herself to be just sweet sixteen. 

**Why then am I aged thirty-two 

If you still *sweet sixteen' are classed?" 

She answered quickly: **That is due 
To this, you young men live so fast!" 



68 



Cupid is King 



A Plea for a Picture 

A kodak she's carried to mountain and shore. 

She's snapped it in country and town. 
And she's certainly bought out a chemical store 

In making her blue prints and brown; 
She spends in the dark-room one half of her time, 

Developing-tray bends above. 
She's so wrapped-up she wont listen reason or rhyme. 

And turns a deaf ear to my love. 

A Senator here and a Congressman there. 

She's snapped, yes, and two or three Counts. 
Why of cardboard she's used, if a guess I may dare. 

At least a car-load in her mounts; 
And nothing she talks of save lighting or shades. 

When one word of love, please the fates, 
I'm waiting to hear. How the romance all fades 

As she chatters of films and plates ! 

She has taken pug-dogs, ugly creatures at best. 

And pussy-cats, curse the felines; 
And newsboys and bootblacks, cowboys from the West, 

Grimed toilers of mills and of mines. 
She has taken all types of humanity, yea. 

All objects of earth, air and sea. 
It seems, and I'm living in hopes that some day 

She may be induced to take me. 



69 



Cupid is King 
Promised Immunity 

I find a dainty, scented note fi-om Grace 
Within my morning's mail, it runs like this: 

* 'Stolen, last night, from its abiding place 
Upon two lips, a rather hurried kiss. 

To owner known is he who dared to steal. 
Yea, long in her affections he has basked. 

So, if no later than this evening, he'll 

Return the same there'll be no questions asked." 



70 



Cupid is King 



Taken at Her Word 

The news was hailed with much of doubt 

When friends of our engagement heard. 
And yet, in truth, it came about 

Because I took her at her word. 
I thus explained in such a way 

As puzzled them, I must confess, — 
I might have been induced to say 

The word I took her at was "yes." 



71 



Cupid is King 



A Maid to Please a,^ Man 

t duly appreciate maidenl j toil, 

EmlHtiideiy, tatdng, and simple crochet, 
A pointing on china, a study in oil. 

Some girls so CTiploy themselves day after day. 
But they're hard to nuj:e We to when thus they're em- 
ployed. 

And so, ibr my own fiancee, I insist 
On a girl that's less busy. I'd be ovojoyed 

With one who had nothing to Ao but be kissed. 



Cupid is King 



Three Letters 

She wrote three little letters. 

All in answer to the note 
He'd sent proposing marriage. 

Vowing long on her he'd dote. 
She wrote the three, his rapture 

I'll leave you all to guess — 
For one was Y, the next was E, 

The final one was S. 



73 



Cupid is King 
A Holiday Fancy 

I called last night, and Laura sang 
A song I hailed with glee. 

With tenderness her sweet voice rang: 
**Then you'll remember me." 

But it's so near to Christmas day, 

A hint it seemed to be. 
And this what Laura meant to say: 

Then Tule remember me! 



74 



Cupid is Kiyig 
yacqueminots 

The roses on her breast are Jacks, 

The heart that beats beneath is mine. 
My faith in her doth not relax 
Because the roses all are Jacks, 
Forsooth, in getting at the facts 

You'll find a quip of her design — 
She wears of roses none but Jacks, 
But heart and roses both are mine 



75 



Cupid is King 
Sacrificed 

My life seems a blank for the space of a week, 

A blank for a month more 'twill be. 
The whole round of clubs for enjoyment I seek. 

Yet I'm bored and worn-out with ennui. 
Estella must needs sacrifice something dear. 

And I doubt not her course is well meant. 
But the few weeks ahead look decidedly drear. 

Since she's given up me during Lent. 



76 



Cupid is King 
Still Guessing 

That Laura's a puzzle I'm free to admit. 

She's rollicking rather than rude. 
But I've been so often the butt of her wit 

I'm hopeless to fathom a mood 
That is hers, she has smiled and then frowned upon me. 

Lees, nectar, her whim's bade me sup. 
Yet, though clearly a puzzle is Laura, you see, 

I'm determined I shan't give her up. 



77 



Cupid is King 
Appropriate 

Priscilla is my Klondike girl. 

At least I call her so. 
There's gold in every straggling curl. 

Alluring in its glow. 
The appellation's naught to do, 

Howe'er, with aught of gold, 
'Tis based on this: Whene'er I woo 

She's distant and so cold ! 



78 



Cupid is King 
An After 'Thought 

**She's a dream, she's a dream," those who know 
her proclaim. 

As her virtues and charms thej^ rehearse. 
And yet, I'm incHned to believe, just the same. 

She's wilfully set and perverse. 
For it's easy to see, though a dream she may be. 

The statement a subterfuge carries. 
And often the maxim occurreth to me. 

That ** dreams always go by contraries". 



79 



Cupid is King 
V. Too Busy 

When Cupid came that weary day 

And begged that I with him go wooing, 

I paused just long enough to say: 

**Fie, Love's a busy man's undoing ! " 

I dreamed that night a dream of you. 

And at my door young Love came tapping. 

Though captured neat I spoke him true: 

**By Jove, but, Cupe, you caught me napping 1" 



8q 



Cupid is King 



On Evelyn's Hat 

Since I am a man I can't describe 

The little details of fluff. 
The plumes and wings of the feathered tribe. 

The ruchings of filmy stuff. 
The bows and tucks of ribbon and lace. 

The crown, whether peaked or flat. 
The everything that has found a place 

On Evelyn's new spring hat. 

I merely infer there are marigolds. 

And daisies, and pinks, and such. 
Chiffon so dainty the folds on folds 

Might crumble beneath one's touch; 
Perhaps an ocean of tulle whose waves 

On the beach of the brim that's flat 
Creeps up, and the stem of each violet laves 

On Evelyn's new spring hat. 

I only know what the women say: 

**So natural do they seem. 
Those flowers, one aknost on each nosegay 

Of morning-dew notes the gleam." 
This part of their praise I can swear is true. 

Though I've sworn quite enough thereat, 
A '*ten" it will cost me for all that's due 

On Evelyn' s new spring hat. 



Cupid is King 



A New Republic 

A new federation has lately been formed. 

It boasts of a government free. 
Two hearts by the tenderest passions were warmed. 

Which brought forth a union, you see, 
**For weal or for woe, through the storm and the strife'*. 

Was e'er nation's motto Hke this? 
The compact each signed for the length of a life 

And affixed the great seal — 'twas a kiss! 

The government framed to each purpose, intent. 

Acknowledges plainly that it 
Derives its just powers from willing consent 

Of the governed, and errs not a whit. 
Since clearly in weakness its greatest strength lies, 

A soft word's diplomacy rare. 
Doth dry up the tears in a pair of blue eyes. 

And conquer rebellion that's there. 

The new federation is quite a success 

The government gives us report. 
Though much now depends, I am free to confess. 

In its keeping aloof from a court 
Where right of secession the judge styles divorce. 

For such things have nothing to do 
With clinging, and billing and cooing, of course. 

Where love rules his nation of two! 



82 



Cupid is King 



A Winter s 'Thaw 

When winds that erstwhile blew so raw 

Are tempered by a sunshine bright. 
And drifted snow begins to thaw. 

We much bewail the slushy plight; 
We curse the fate that prompted us 

To leave the rubbers off our feet. 
And rail at such a sloppy muss. 

Till Mabel trips across the street. 

Our petulance at winter's mood. 

Our suUenness, so ill-concealed. 
Our vows that we' d have, if we could. 

Old nature's ordinance repealed. 
Take sudden flight when ice and snow 

Slips slushy 'neath her twinkling feet. 
And lifted skirts but hint at show 

As Mabel trips across the street. 

And what though it's inclined to last 

But just the briefest moment's span? 
Our petulant perverseness past, 

A sweet enchantment bids us scan 
The glimpse of 'broidery that shows. 

And, now and then, an ankle neat, 
A fleeting dream of silken hose, — 

When Mabel trips across the street. 



83 



Cupid is King 

When Grandma Danced 
(1824) 

The trumpets blared and rolled the drum. 

The nation's honored guest had come. 

Bells clanged whose tongues had long been dumb. 

Gay horses pranced. 
No red coat tory held dissent. 
The land approved to all intent. 
For James Monroe was President — 

And Grandma danced. 

The old colonial hall was bright. 
The candles twinkled left and right. 
And rich brocades bewitched the sight 

Of those who glanced 
Where gay cotillion figures formed. 
Where love grown chill with war was warmed. 
And hearts instead of forts were stormed — 

When Grandma danced. 

With all the homage grace could lend. 
Where bravery, beauty, culture blend. 
They welcomed him, our loyal friend. 

For peace enhanced 
The honors won on battle-plain; 
They toasted freedom's happy reign. 
When Lafayette came back again 

And Grandma danced. 



84 



Cupid is King 



Brave minute men were seen to flush 
More than if in the onward rush 
Of battle, while with boyish blush 

Each stood entranced: 
Staid veterans from the Brandywine 
Passed compliments adown the line. 
And *<Love" was all the countersign — 

When Grandma danced. 



85 



Cupid is King 



The Limited Language of Love 

Some sweet way of loving you 

Better than I love you now 
Is the boon for which I sue. 

If you know, dear, tell me how. 
May I woo you not by rhyme 

All the blissfiil day and long. 
Like a lark to glory climb 

On the ladder of a song? 

All of love's sweet story old. 

Every phrase to passion wed. 
Lips long sealed by Death have told. 

All hath many times been said. 
So to you I fain would speak 

Something couched in language new. 
Morning, noon and night I seek 

Some sweet way of loving you. 

Men progress they say, and yet 

Love's vocabulary stands 
Circumscribed, and still, and set. 

As if bound with iron bands. 
Yet 'tis said that wond'rous kind 

Fate is to the ones who woo. 
If I seek I yet may find 

Some sweet way of loving you. 



86 



Cupid is King 
Temptress and Accuser 

**I heard that last night you kissed Charley McGee! 

Perhaps, Madge, you'll wish to deny it!" — 
I stood where the droop of her head I could see. 

If guilty I'd surely descry it. 

With blush of confusion she sought to explain 

How, pursing her lips in this fashion. 
She looked up at Charley, and, grievous with pain. 

She told how he kissed her with passion. 

**I knew you'd be vexed, dear," she tearfully said, 
**I could teU when you came that you knew it. 

But, somehow — ," and here she in shame hung her head, 
** — I never thought Charley would do it!" 

Forgiveness I granted, and deep in the gray 

Of twilight I lingered to parley. 
Forgetful she pursed up her lips the same way 

And — I guess I'm as guilty as Charley! 



87 



Cupid is King 



Where Feathers Flaunt 

Her natty sailor, trimmed in blue. 

Has lived its day, methinks. 
She's put aside the golf-cap too. 

She wore upon the links; 
There's naught but memories, gauzy things. 

And summer dreams grown flat. 
For winds are chill that stir the wings 

On Mabel's winter hat. 

The hat she wore to parks and plays, 

A flower garden, where 
Meek violets could scarcely raise 

Their heads to catch fresh air. 
And roses clustered round the rim. 

Is food for gnawing rat. 
For feathers flaunt forth fashion's whim 

On Mabel's winter hat. 

Warm weather hats, warm weather friends. 

Although it seemeth strange. 
Are much aUke, at seasons' ends 

Susceptible to change; — 
We never change, we're wed, you see. 

And, though I swear thereat, 
I have to come down handsomely 

On Mabel's winter hat. 



88 



Cupid is King 



A String of Olden Pearls 

Over the carved-oak balustrade 

Bends a face with a 'witching smile. 
Lamplights flutter and drooping fade. 

Much as candles in olden style. 
Here her grandma dismissed her beau. 

Just at the foot of the winding stair. 
Back in the days of the long ago 

Cloistering memories saintly fair. 

Grandma reigned as a belle supreme. 

Many her conquests far and near. 
Red-coat officers used to dream. 

Even forgetting to answer: **Here!'* 
One of King George's men, they say. 

Carried a curl from the tresses fair 
That grandma gave, in a girlish way. 

Here at the foot of the winding stair. 

Marjorie reigns as a belle supreme. 

Envied she by the other girls; 
Hearts still echo the same old dream. 

Caught in the string of her grandma's pearls. 
Pearls that encircle a neck of snow. 

Pearls that still as of old ensnare, 
Marjorie' s grandma found it so 

Here at the foot of the winding stair. 



89 



Cupid is King 



Over the carved-oak balustrade 

Maijorie leans with a 'witching smile. 
Lights may glinmier or candles fade. 

Kissing never grows out of style. 
All of the olden love-light glows. 

Echoing sagely: "Beware! Beware! 
Thorns are hidden in every rose. 

Grandma's pearls are a subtle snare!" 



90 



Cupid is King 



The Favored Number 

The orchestra hidden by fringes 

Of palms played the airs that entrance. 
And an unalloyed rapture that hinges 

On ecstacy hallowed the dance; 
We had waltzed till our heads had grown dizzy. 

We were weary and ready to fall. 
When I made the suggestion to Lizzie 

That we "sit out" the dance in the hall. 

We could hear the pit-pat of the dancers. 

And dwell on Terpsichore's arts; 
We could hear the sweet strains of the lancers. 

And the soft rhythmic beats of our hearts; 
We could nestle in closest commimion 

Of undying love through it all. 
While our lips pledged an ultimate union 

At the dance we "sat out" in the hall. 

What though I in her eyes caught the glisten 

Of love-light that kindled for me? 
There was never eavesdropper to listen. 

And never spectator to see! 
What if others went early to slumber 

Next mom? I'd too much to recall! 
For the program held never a number 

Like the dance we **sat out" in the hall. 



91 



Cupid is King 



A Neighboring Garden 

It seems the very air is sweet 

With fragrance that would thrill the bees 
Until they'd dream, in rapture meet. 

The dreams of lost Hesperides. 
The flowers bless the cooling spray 

And all their petals then unclose 
To catch the shower's ricochet. 

When Molly wields the garden hose. 

The twilight deepens, settles down. 

The stillness of a summer's eve 
Has claimed the busy, bustling town 

That soon to blissful dreams' t\vill leave; 
But o'er the grassy, glistening lawn 

Each drop of water, jeweled, glows. 
And all the thirst of day is gone 

When Molly wields the garden hose. 

Her curls they rippling fall in waves 

Beneath her bonnet's close confines. 
The grass her gown' s rich hemming laves 

With only rapturous designs; 
Each passer-by but seems to see 

In this rare sight a balm for woes; 
The world is brighter, all agree. 

When Molly wields the garden hose. 



92 



Cupid is King 
A Coming-Out Party 

Society is all astir, and rightly so, no doubt. 

Since two sweet buds of womanhood next week are 

** coming- out." 
The Misses Schuyler and Van Brunt make their d^but 

at Brown's, 
With timid flutt'ring hearts, no doubt, and lovely Paris 

gowns. 
The invitations have been mailed — one found its way to 

me — 
*'To be presented. . ." Well, by Jove ! how very strange 

t'vnll be ! 
My tongue will frame the names they knew in girlhood's 

sweet estate. 
For Margaret was Maggie then and Katherine was Kate ! 

No doubt Miss Katherine Van Brunt possesses beauty 

rare; 
The social set will praise her gown — I'll only see her 

hair. 
And Margaret Schuyler will, I hear, society surprise 
With wealth of gems magnificent — I'll only see her eyes. 
My playmates both in years agone, to Maggie's eyes I'd 

look 
For schoolgirl sympathy; Kate's curls, as black as any 

rook, 
I used to star with daisies in the long ago. Ah, Fate ! 
But Margaret was Maggie then and Katherine was Kate. 



93 



Cupid is King 



Their gowns will be, Tm sure, the kind society adores — 
To me there'll come the memory of gingham pinafores ! 
And when the social set shall rave o'er coiffiires, waves 

and curls, 
I'll think of hair in long-hung braids they used to wear 

as girls. 
Sweet debutantes, they'll fill your ears with flattery, I 

know. 
And you'll grow changed, as have your names, since that 

sweet long ago 
I've cloistered in my memory and told its beads to Fate, 
For Margaret was Maggie then and Katherine was Kate. 



94 



Cupid is King 



A Case at Court 

« <Dan Cupid, Attorney at Law', is he in? 

A chair? Yes, I'll wait here a minute! 
I've a suit quite annoying I'm anxious to win. 

As my counsel I wish you'd begin it! 
The case has to do with a maiden so true 

That a legal proceeding's a bother. 
And yet there is nothing remains but to sue 

The maiden's most obstinate father. 

"The maiden some way stole my heart and I sued 

At once for her hand, and reviewing 
The case from inception with ardor imbued 

I won a sweet *Yes' by the suing. 
Her father, in wrath, upon learning of this. 

Gave notice of surely appearing 
The next night I called, with a move to dismiss. 

And since that there's been no rehearing. 

*'So, Cupid just fix up a legal retort, 

A something to frustrate the father! 
Perhaps 'twould be well in contempt of the Court 

To hold him and end all this bother. 
Do this and the rector at once we will seek. 

With license and all due provision. 
For some slight retainer the words he will speak 

Sustaining the former decision!" 



95 



Cupid is King 
Out of Town 

(Song of the Stay-At-Home. ) 

Hail, all hail, the summer season ! 

Hail, the blossom and the bee! — 
Quite without a hint of reason 

Emanates a hail from me; 
Here and there I roam demented. 

Like a king without a crown. 
Tell me who could be contented 

When Estella's out of town? 

At each kissing-corner only 

Memory's lips are pressed to mine. 
Swings the empty hammock lonely 

'Neath the shadowed porch's line; 
Every flower in the garden. 

As you walk the pathway down. 
Meets your anxious look with: ** Pardon, 

But — Estella's out of town!" 

**Out of town!" I hear repeated 

Every hour in the day. 
By each vagrant breeze I'm greeted; 

**Out of town, away, — away!" 
But the postmen, Cupe's abettors. 

Drive away my every frown. 
Since they daily hand me letters. 

Now Estella's out of town. 



96 



Cupid is King 
My Lady s Valentine 

The over-burdened postman on his early morning rounds. 
The uniformed abettor of Dan Cupid with his wounds. 
This morning brought a package which my lady fair untied. 
And marveled at the beauty of the silken gift inside. 
It bore a tender message of a love, devoted, true. 
It had a dainty tassel, and a fringe as dainty, too. 
And yet my lady would not trade for all this tinsel show 
The valentine a boyish lover sent her years ago. 

My lady' s blessed with riches, with position, and with fame. 
The world of art and letters is familiar with her name. 
Her votaries are legion, and they all contrive to pay 
Their debts of deep devotion on Dan Cupid's holiday. 
And yet when all are counted, little offerings of the heart. 
My lady fair grows pensive and she steals awhile apart 
To kiss again the message from a heart that loved her so — 
The valentine her boyish lover sent her years ago. 



97 



Cupid is King 

She lives with those who flatter and cajole her with their 

praise, 
She*s left the truth of childhood and its blossom-sprinkled 

ways. 
She knows these silken trifles all are sophistries, in truth. 
The rhymes though better polished lack the honesty of 

youth. 
And so my lady turns from all the richer gifts to-day 
To lift an humbler to her lips, and meed of kisses pay; 
'Tis safe enshrined within her heart, and none may ever 

know 
The valentine a boyish lover sent her years ago. 



98 



Cupid is King 



Under the Mistletoed Chandelier 

First it was Evelyn's grandma sweet, 

Puritan grace and beauty blent. 
Caught by the olden custom neat 

Firmly established the precedent. 
Ah, 'twas a Christmas long ago. 

Someone that loved her and held her dear 
Kissed the cheeks that were all aglow 

Under the mistletoed chandelier. 

Years went by and a fair yoimg girl. 

Grandma's daughter, the next in line. 
Pansy eyes and the straggling curl. 

Either by accident or design 
Came and stood on a Christmas day 

Deep in the darkened parlor here. 
Somebody won her the self-same way 

Under the mistletoed chandelier. 

Pretty Evelyn, third in line. 

Winsome, 'witching as those of old. 
Queer little, dear little, sweetheart mine. 

She with the tresses of thin-spun gold. 
Deep in the Christmas twilight's dun 

Gave me a kiss, and the case is clear; 
Three generations of girls were won 

Under that mistletoed chandelier. 



99 

ILffCJ 



Cupid is King 



By Grace of Mabel's Muff 

When Mabel's wrapped in warmest furs. 

And gowned to grace the street. 
To me so oft the thought occurs 

No maid was e'er more sweet; 
O'er shoulders thrown a cape of seal. 

Her hat a feathery fluff. 
But richer still the joy I feel 

When Mabel holds her muff. 

Perchance a drive we take, and then 

There's pleasures sweet athrong. 
Though much alloyed the bliss is when 

A chaperon's along; 
Still, even then, with her beside. 

My treatment's far from rough, 
A hand may clasp a hand inside 

The bounds of Mabel's muff. 

Like lovers who, at party, dance. 

Find some convenient screen 
To steal behind, where fervent glance. 

Swift blush may be unseen. 
We too hide from the chaperon 

Love-signals quite enough. 
When hands make heart-throbs all their own. 

And clasp in Mabel's muff. 



lOO 



Cupid is King 



Within My Lady's Purse 

Some ribbon samples, blue or pink, 

A glove-hook and a few small keys, 
A knowledge that the latter '11 clink 

When jostled, quite accounts for these ! 
A letter from some love-lorn scamp, — 

I'll bet he's not the one she marries, — 
A lock of hair, a postage stamp. 

Within the purse my lady carries. 

A plain band ring, worn quite in two. 

Once on her hand 'twas quite a fixture. 
It broke, — some said, who claimed they knew. 

Her heart broke too, — a baby's picture. 
Some little nephew, niece, perchance, 

A shattered bunch of buds and berries 
From some spring hat of wide expanse. 

Within the purse my lady carries. 

'Tis most a garret of a place 

So far as finding worn-out notions 
And bric-a-brac' s concerned, by grace 

Of woman's whims, caprice, emotions; 
Jammed in compartments that adjoin 

Are things round which some mem'ry tarries. 
In fact there's everything but coin 

Within the purse my lady carries. 



lOI 



Cupid is King 



Tying Her Shoe 

What the pride and what the glory. 

What the pomp and lordly airs; 
What the song and what the story. 

With my humble task compares? 
Knowing well that I adore her, 

Quick to any service do. 
On my knees I bow before her 

When I tie Priscilla's shoe. 

Fumbling with the dainty laces. 

Conscious of my awkward pose. 
Well advanced her toe she places 

Till a little glimpse of hose 
Shows beneath her gown's rich hemming. 

Then I knot the strings anew. 
While such fashions I'm condemning — 

When I tie Priscilla's shoe. 

Awkwardly I seek to fashion 

Bow that somehow never comes. 
While she views with mild compassion 

All my fingers turned to thumbs; 
Yet I feet an exultation 

When my pleasant task is through. 
And I bless the situation 

When I tie Priscilla's shoe. 



1 02 



Cupid is King 
The Bows Upon Her Slippers 

On these summer evenings sultry, when the atmosphere 
is torrid. 

We throw off fashion's raiment in an effort to be cool. 
And every maiden wonders if she really would look horrid 

Should she assume some airy gown of dimity or tulle. 
Now, as for me, I never note a garment' s style or texture. 

To just one sweet attraction all my admiration flows, 
I always note it gladly, (this perhaps deserves a lecture), — 

Priscilla ties her slippers with the daintiest of bows. 

When I call upon her evenings she wears a gown that's 
pretty, 

I simply note the taste with which she's chosen her 
bouquet. 
And while she's entertaining me with conversation witty 

Most surreptitiously my eyes averted seem to stray 
To just a hint of lace below a skirt that's all a-crinkle. 

And misty as a last-night's dream a little glimpse of hose. 
Then, looking up at some remark, I see her eyes a-twinkle — 

Priscilla' s tied her slippers with the daintiest of bows. 



103 



Cupid is King 



The world may call me caddish, since I've mentioned it 
so boldly. 
Perhaps the accusation I'm deserving, on the whole. 
And yet I've been confessing, (and the girls may treat me 
coldly). 
For they say contrite confession is a solace to the soul. 
With fluffy laces peeping what is conscience's insistence? 
What are they, pray, but poems in a world of dreary 
prose? 
And, being poems, why not scan them then without re- 
sistance? — 
Priscilla ties her sUppers with the daintiest of bows ! 



104 



Cupid is King 



The Lonely Length of Lent 

The play's tabooed, the giddy round 

Of social pleasures all. 
In sombre gray Estella's gowned. 

O'er gayety a pall 
Of quietude hangs like a mist. 

E'en I must rest content 
To lounge at club and lone exist 

Through forty days of Lent. 

All invitations I decline. 

To whist, to masquerade. 
Until Estella, sweetheart mine. 

Devotion's debt has paid; 
And so, a pent-up Pharisee, 

I brave with best intent 
The loneliness that comes to me 

Through forty days of Lent. 

And yet, each Sunday wells a tide 

Of joy, so why a care? 
She trusts to me when by her side 

Her dainty book of prayer ! 
And downcast eyes, demure 'tis true. 

To questioning glance assent. 
Thus blue eyes true the wooing do 

Through forty days of Lent. 



loS 



Cupid is King 



An Early Spring 

The fluffy plumes that erstwhile sat 

'Mong ribbons, velvet bow^s. 
On Dolly's 'witching winter hat. 

Once poems now are prose; 
The season's changed and fashion flings 

Her firm decrees with wUe, 
And hats must needs assume sweet spring's 

Beflowered, filmy style. 

The milliner has robbed of June 

Tea-roses half a score. 
And filched from May her sweetest boon. 

Meek violets, a store; 
Though ne'er a lily there I see 

'Twould not be out of place 
Arranged among the magicry 

Of fold on fold of lace. 

The plumes and felts have had their day. 

The jaunty, tilted brim. 
They're now with moth-balls stowed away. 

Because of fashion's whim; 
The season's changed, though birds, I'll bet. 

For weeks won't Northward wing, — 
Forsooth, sweet Dolly's hat's as yet 

The only sign of spring. 



1 06 



Cupid is King 



Pris cilia's Garden 

Priscilla armed with garden-rake 

Has pulverized each clod. 
And rooty tendrils dared to break 

Within each matted sod; 
She's blistered both her pretty hands. 

And tanned her cheeks, you see. 
But, as the situation stands, 

'Tis quite a help to me. 

Priscilla' s planted rows on rows 

Of asters, whites and reds. 
While saucy pansies, black as crows. 

She's tucked in loamy beds; 
Sweet Williams, pinks and mignonette. 

Forsooth, they well are placed. 
To form a crescent, star, rosette. 

With all a florist's taste. 

Alas, her work has but commenced. 

There's scratching hens to shoo. 
For weary weeks, — the plot's not fenced- 

Priscilla's feeling blue! 
But, ah, what joy is mine, since she 

To grow sweet blossoms wills. 
The days ahead are bright for me — 

There's no more florist bills! 



107 



Cupid is King 
The Same Old Story 

She pitied him ! 

The night before with club friends he had stayed. 

To plan some great political parade. 

Till twelve o'clock or more, and, strange to say. 

This morn each bone within him had a way 

Of aching when he moved. As for his head. 

It throbbed until he vsnshed that he were dead. 

To her, his loving vdfe, who grief expressed 

The suffering husband guiltily confessed 

The "boys" had oped some wine they had in store 

And he had drank one little glass, no more. 

With cooling cloths she soothed his aching head, 

A ministering angel, stood beside his bed 

With alia wife's devotion, whispered: "Dear, 

I love you, love you," oft into his ear. 

And while on those who tempted him she swore 

A woman's maledictions o'er and o'er. 

She pitied him 1 



1 08 



Cupid is King 
In Bankruptcy 

In every letter Delia wrote. 

While on her summer's short vacation. 
Were loving lines I'U never quote 

Since all for me the sweet potation 
Of syntax steeped in nectared bliss. 

But in the weeks that we were sundered 
If Delia sent me one big kiss 

m wager that she sent a hundred. 

She's now at home, and says that she 

Was so profiise in sending kisses 
While out of town, in bankruptcy 

She'll have to go. But, oh, what bliss is 
Mine own to quaff, for there's a way 

She's sure will win, and I believe her, — 
There's assets every debt to pay 

And she's to name me as receiver. 



IO( 



Cupid is King 



So JFags the World 

Liimie was fair as the skies of Mav, 

Sweet little love of the days depaned. 
Well I remember the ktefiil day 

linnie left me, and broken-heaited; 
How 1 battled with love's remorse 

Every stroke to stay and pany. 
Trailing for comfort each day, perforce. 

To a girl I never intended to marry! 

Ilien when that romance had died away 

Daisy led me to love's confession; 
YoQth for folly mnst have its day. 

Love that's yoong never shows discretion 
That dream over and Mabd came 

Into my heart like a 'witching feiry, 
Mittened me then, which I told in shame 

To a girl I never intended to marry. 

Many the romance my boyhood knew. 

Many the plans, and my loves mmnmbered! 
One girl's love was so staunch and tme 

Through my foDies it waned nor slmnbered. 
One I've sworn to protect through life. 

An Care's burdens jcnntly to carry: 
AHow me to introduce my wife, — 

The girl I never intended to marry. 



no 



Cupid is King 
The Proper Test 

"I hear you*ve been flirting, dear, you whom I trusted! 

I'm shocked to think you would my trust put in pawn. ' ' 
**I never," she answered. The mesh I adjusted 

By saying: "You can't deny leading him on.?** 

Her eyes she averted, and, newly beginning, 
I started to chide her, then guiltily hedged. 

**You see, it's no worry to me, but you're sinning 
'Gainst Jack, the poor fellow, he knows not you're 
pledged!" 

"I'm looking at Jack, Madge, my feelings I smother. 
Wound me as you wiU, but another don't wreck!" 

"But, Tom, oh — I didn't — " Then, some way or other, 
A pair of soft arms were encircling my neck. 

A sob, — "Oh, my darling!" she said. Then averted 
Her eyes, as, confessing, she sobbed out "Dear me! 

The trouble it's caused, and — and I only flirted 
With Jack just to see if — if he'd flirt with me!" 



Ill 



Cupid is King 



In the Kitchen 

Daisy's dressed so very simple 

In a garb that's trim and cool. 
And each dimple seems the wimple 

Of a rain-drop in the pool; 
While her bared arms show the trimmer 

Her bewitching elbows' curves 
As she stirs the fruit a-simmer 

When she's putting up preserves. 

As to oak-tree clings the lichen 

Cling my eyes unto the spot. 
When sweet Daisy queens the kitchen 

And the kettle's steaming hot; 
Spicy odors sweetly steal on 

Sensitive olfactory nerves 
Like a sea-ward breeze from Ceylon, 

When she's putting up preserves. 

Sweet as any songster's chirrup. 

Sweet as flowers brown bees loot. 
Yea, she's sweet as e'en the sirup 

She is pouring o'er the fruit; 
And a veering heart she's captured 

From past love's erratic swerves. 
Since she lets me look em-aptured 

When she's putting up preserves. 



112 



Cupid is King 



Lovers Barometer 

When days are dark, and damp, and drear, 

I need not note barometer 
To see just when the clouds will clear, 

I only need to look at her 
So moody grown, the storm I've feared 

I well can tell hath run its race, 
I know each cloud has disappeared— 

I see the sunshine in her face. 



113 



Cupid is King 



A Mistake 

"Old fiKnds are best?" Tb quite imtrae! 

Girl fiiends so dear we bave in plen^. 
And of diem all I think, dcai't jon. 

The best are aged Trinftrm tx twenty? 



114 



Cupid is King 
An Explanation 

When Polly's **up in arms" you'd deem 

My lot, a lover's, far from happy. 
You'd quite expect she then would seem 

Most irritable, cross and snappy! 
Yet, when *'in arms" against me, I 

To love's behests my heart resign. 
She pillows 'gainst me with a sigh 

Her golden head, — the arms are mine. 



"5 



Cupid is King 
A Marked Discrepancy 

Estella handsome, debonair. 

And charming you would vote. 
You would not, though you viewed with care, 

A facial blemish note; 
A face of Grecian mould you*d see. 

But I, grown lover- wise. 
Am racked by the discrepancy 

Between her noes and ayes! 



ii6 



Cupid is King 
A Literary Critic 

I smiled the while I felt the blushes mount 

My cheeks as Mrs. Malaprop discoursed 
On literature. **Now there's Dubois* 'Count 

Of Monte Carlo, ah, his style is forced! 
My husband reads aloud to me, you know. 

He says good books are such a priceless boon. 
We've just commenced one — I enjoy it so, — 

It's just too lovely — Blackstone's *Bonny DoonP " 



117 



Cupid is King 
Her Mirror and Herself 

A clever looking-glass, forsooth. 

Has place on Mabel's mantel-shelf. 
So dainty and so neat, in truth, 

'Tis like its owner's own sweet self 
In some respects, for instance this: — 

You'll quick discern the simile — 
A clever looking-glass it is, 

A clever looking lass is she! 



ii8 



Cupid is King 
A Blissful Boon 

One boon do I crave out of Fortune's great store. 

One bliss of the many that's doled out by Fate, 
'Tis not that some maid should be loving me more 

'Tis not gift of wealth, I am happy to state. 
Nor even that Fame come and crown me with bay. 

No curl from a head wreathed with sunshiny wisps. 
But, oh, I've been craving for many a day 

A kith from the lipth of a dear girl who lisps. 



119 



Cupid is King 
A Culprit 

I stole a kiss last night and Bessie said, 

"That sly propensity you'll yet be grieving. 
If you do that again," she hung her head, 

"I'll have you sent to jail for petty thieving." 
**A kiss like that just stolen," I replied. 

If estimated by its worth to me. 
Would open up the prison portals wide; 

The charge would be, at least, grand larceny!" 



I20 



Cupid is King 
Courteous Acknowledgment 

The hall was dark last night, the lights were lowj 

The clock on parlor mantel pointed ten. 
A lover, full determined now to go. 

Had paused to say a last good night again. 
A pair of lips presented to a face 

Of rosy sweetness kissed it o'er and o'er. 
Both face and lips exclaimed, so commonplace: 

**It seems that we have met sometime before!" 



121 



Cupid IS King 



Her Subtle Power 

A woman's words persuasive 

We can listen to and meet 
With an answer that's evasive 

And an adjective that's sweet; 
But our logic seems so simple. 

And our self-possession flies. 
When her cheeks are all a-dimple 

And she reasons with her eyes. 



122 



Cupid is King 



A Reminder 

When Phyllis sat her down to write. 

She first removed her glove. 
Her sweetheart was a laggard quite 

In telling her his love; 
And, thinking that a hint might serve 

To let him know, she placed 
This closing line, with sweep and curve, 

<*Good night, dear. Tours in hasteP^ 



123 



Cupid is King 
A Challenge 

She stood at the gate with a wistful air, 

'Twas dusk when a well-known footfall rang 
On the flinty pavement, and "Who goes there?'* 

The saucy challenge to red lips sprang. 
"A friend," her lover replied in bliss. 

He was more than a mere friend, I opine. 
For four lips met in the pass-word kiss 

Over the front gate's picket-line. 



124 



Cupid is King 



Patriotic Colors 

Her teeth are rows of pearls, — they*re white. 

This maiden so despotic. 
Her cheeks are red as roses bright. 

So, being patriotic. 
She feels she needs the azure hue. 

And I, her lover, smitten. 
Supply that shade, — she's made me blue 

By giving me the mitten. 



125 



Cupid is King 



When She Tripped the Minuet 

Ah, her smiles were warm and sunny 

As the skies of August weeks. 
Bees might well have sipped the honey 

From the roses of her cheeks; 
Laughter conquered melancholy. 

Cares were easy to forget. 
On the eve when Mistress Polly 

Tripped the New Year's Minuet. 

How the cheery candles twinkled. 

Shone on old brocades and lace! 
How the wigs with powder sprinkled 

Seemed to aureole each face! 
While the wealth of Christmas holly 

Waved a hearty welcome yet. 
On the eve when Mistress Polly 

Tripped the New Year's Minuet. 

There were statesmen there assembled. 

There were heroes, master mine. 
Those who fought when freedom trembled 

On the field of Brandy wine; 
Yet the gravest hearts grew jolly. 

For as freemen true they met. 
On the eve when Mistress Polly 

Tripped the New Year's Minuet. 



126 



Cupid is King 



A Love Lilt From Bohemia 

No diamonds you wear in your nut-brown hair; 

No pearls to encircle your neck; 
There's never a jewel to glint and glare 

And never a gem to deck. 
Your tapering fingers have never a ring. 

They never a circlet knew; 
Yet a rarer thing than the gift of a king 

Is the gold of my love for you. 

The world, I'm sure, 'will assert you're poor. 

And vow much poorer am I; 
But still our love shall endure, endure 

As long as the years go by. 
A simple toiler alone I stand. 

My wealth no miser can see; 
But richer than land in the king' s command 

Is the gold of your love for me. 

Your pure young life shall be free from strife. 

And all that I hope to be 
I'll payment make to my promised wife 

For the gold of her love for me. 
Together we'll laugh at the world unwise 

That fancies us poor, we two; 
And your pansy eyes shall behold a prize 

In the gold of my love for you. 



127 



Cupid is King 
The Reign of Dolly Madison 

They say when Dolly Madison 

Wore, quite by right, the social bays. 
That laughter bubbled, overrun 

The Washington of other days. 
That mirth prevailed v^rhere now you'll find 

Sedate and staid sobriety. 
They did not then so strictly mind 

The canons of society. 
Less heed they paid to rank and station 
In Madison's administration. 

They say that Dolly Madison 

Was wont on country legislators 
To lavish smiles, and plain homespun 

Was not tabooed by style's dictators. 
That brains instead of clothes were prized, 

A thing that' s very hard to credit. 
That with applause they recognized 

The apt remark, not him who said it! 

Ah, sad's the change throughout the nation 
Since Madison's administration. 



128 



Cupid is King 



A Bachelor s Love 

I will not sing my lady's grace. 

She may most awkward be. 
As for the beauty of her face 

I have no eyes to see. 
For me she holds more subtle charms. 

And oh, I sing to her 
Because she opens wide her arms 

To me, a bachelor. 

I will not sing my lady's cheeks. 

They may be wan and pale, 
I'm only sure their nearness speaks 

A love that ne'er will fail. 
Her eyes, her lips, her hair, I know 

But little of their charms. 
She sonrtehow rests and soothes me so 

I'm happy in her arms. 

From me she lifts depression's load. 

She trips the stairs alone 
Unto my bachelor abode. 

And brings no chaperon. 
No Mrs. Grundy's gossip can 

From me her presence wean, — 
My sweet, who puts Care 'neath a ban. 

My Lady Nicotine! 



i3< 



Cupid is King 



In the Choir 

When Ruby sings the songs of praise, 
I quite forget my worldly ways. 
And only list angelic lays. 

Her voice soars high and higher; 
It seems that e'en the minister 
In glances gives his love to her. 
Nor text to him doth e*er recur. 

When Ruby's in the choir. 

Her prayerful pleadings seem to rise. 
Appealing both to weak and wise. 
Until they reach the vaulted skies 

And join with angel lyre; 
And yet I fear the songs that roll 
In tuneful rhyme to heaven's goal 
Beseech the heart instead of soul— 

When Ruby's in the choir. 



i-^o 



Cupid is King 



The Winter Girl 

The lucky chap of summer days 

Beyond her memory slips. 
The beau of seashore sands and sprays — 

She' s chaps now on her lips ! 
You'll quick infer from this that she 

Has felt the snowflakes whirl. 
And she is wrapped in fiir, you sec. 

The same old Winter girl. 

The court where tennis-racquets swung 

Is now a drift of snow, — 
A willing court is paid by tongue 

And pen of fervent beau! 
And as for rackets; when he calls 

Her brother '11 raise a whirl 
Of boyish romping through the halls — 

The same old Winter girl. 

She's quite in highest feather now. 

You marvel much thereat? 
A turned-up brim's above her brow — 

She's feathers on her hat! 
Though purling brooks are sheets of ice. 

She's still a priceless pearl. 
The highest throw of Beauty's dice. 

The same old Winter girl. 



131 



Cupid is King 



When yames Monroe Was President 

Though fashion-plates were quite unknown. 

Was ever beauty like arrayed? 
Enchantment's spell has never flown 

From dainty lace and rich brocade. 
The dames, the maids, the gowns they wore 

Were taste and grace and beauty blent. 
And hearts were warm unto the core 

When James Monroe was President. 

The beaux, rare gentlemen, forsooth. 

Wore wigs combed up in powdered pufF, 
And no one blushed to take, in truth. 

From silver box a pinch of snuff. 
Sweet Courtesy held high command. 

And men were peers to all intent. 
The mark of rank an honest hand. 

When James Monroe was President. 

And tallow molded round a wick 

When burning seemed as diamonds bright. 
They'd scarce have traded candlestick 

For twinkling incandescent light. 
The dames, the maids, the gallants all. 

Who long have slept 'neath earthy tent. 
The same whose presence graced the ball 

When James Monroe was President. 



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Cupid is King 

Ah, long the years that intervene. 

Yet, laugh, ye scoiFers, as ye may. 
Still Purity's acknowledged queen. 

And Courtesy is king to-day. 
Hearts beat as warm to-day as then. 

And charity's as kindly meant 
As 'twas 'mong those, God's noblemen. 

When James Monroe was President. 



133 



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Cupid is King 



The Bachelor Girl 

One may laugh at the love lorn and lonely old maids. 

And pity their husbandless state. 
Since their hopes one by one they have tenderly laid 

In the narrow graves fashioned by fate; 
But the other, who loses not maidenhood's way 

Of setting men's hearts in a whirl. 
She is not an old maid, though she's thirty to-day; 

She is simply a bachelor girl. 

Distinguish between them sure anyone can, 

'Tis not a mere matter of years; 
The one places gaiety under a ban 

When the very first wrinkle appears; 
The other keeps youth in her heart through the maze 

And the daze of life's unceasing swirl. 
And she wears not conventional spinsterhood grays. 

So we call her the bachelor girl. 

She's piquant and pretty, she's witty and wise. 

Conversant with music and art. 
And she looks on the world through her optimist eyes 

As more than a conscienceless mart. 
Tea tipples and tabby cats both she taboos. 

That hall-mark of spinsters, the curl; 
Oh, may her sweet presence the world never lose — 

Hurrah for the bachelor girl! 



134 



Cupid is King 



Unchanged 

Here in the chest filled with grandmother's things. 
Laces and patchwork, and letters, and rings. 
Old time daguerreotypes — faded, I vow, — 
Links in the chain ' twixt the Then and the Now, 
Moldy and mildewed and yellowed with age, 
Madge has discovered a scrawled-over page. 
Vowing a love in the shadow or shine. 
Coined into verse on an old valentine. 

Two generations have Hved and grown gray. 
Even the third is now well on its way. 
Mother and daughter, and daughter, — in fine, 
Madge, as you see, is the third in the line. 
Still the same passion endm-es as of yore, 
**Love laughs at locksmiths" as loud as before, 
Tendercst words grow as mellow as wine. 
Coined into verse on an old valentine. 

Faded by time and grown yellow with age. 
Neat little, sweet little, scrawled-over page! 
Many and many the change since the day 
Grandmother kissed it and laid it away, — 
Changes of fashion and changes of art. 
Never a change in the ways of the heart. 
Well might that vow, Madge, be taken as mine — 
Coined into verse on an old valentine. 



135 



i 



Cupid is King 
When Dolly Plays Croquet 

In gown of tulle and snowy lace. 
With all of modest maiden grace. 
Sweet Dolly comes and takes her place 

The simple game to play; 
And every ball her mallet taps 
Responsive rolls through wicket-gaps. 
For they, like me, are charmed, perhaps. 

When Dolly plays croquet. 

The goal seems far beyond my reach. 
Her heart as well — yet I beseech 
With ardent looks and stumbling speech 

That she be mine for aye. 
Though easy wickets oft I miss, 
A fair exchange I view with bliss. 
To lose the game and win a kiss 

When Dolly plays croquet. 



136 



Cupid is King 



Song of the Skater 

When the cold, midwinter breezes 

Pile the snow, a drifting mass. 
When the placid mill-pond freezes 

To an opaque sheet of glass. 
Mine's the mood to bless the season. 

None less thankful mood is Kate's, 
Joy transcendeth rhyme or reason 

While I fasten on her skates. 

Though the winds are cold and biting. 

What care we for chill or chap? 
There is sport ahead, delighting. 

Ringing steel and icy snap. 
Awkwardly — I so adore her — 

Looking close to see if mates. 
Suitor-like I kneel before her 

While I fasten on her skates. 

Then the thrill, the exultation. 

As we join the skating band. 
Swift my heart's loud palpitation 

When I gliding hold her hand; — 
But the greatest source of bliss is 

When my plea for pay she waits. 
And she says: "To-night, three kisses"- 

While I fasten on her skates. 



137 



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Done at 'The Gorham PresSy Boston^ 

by 
RICHARD G. BADGER 



NOV ii 1902 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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